What kinds of questions are addressed in a letter of recommendation?
A good letter of recommendation has very specific anecdotal information which addresses some of the following questions (tailored, of course, to the particular program you are applying for): • Academic performance – includes class rank, problem-solving ability, critical thinking skills • Performance in the laboratory setting – independence, efficiency, technical skills • Communication skills – speaking and writing well are very important in every setting • Personal characteristics – responsibility, dependability, maturity, integrity, ability to work with others, general attitude/outlook • General comparisons – many programs ask the letter writer to compare the candidate to others in a comparison group (e.g. all senior chemistry majors I have known) • Motivation for the position/program What you need to do • Either pick up a “Request for a Letter of Recommendation” form from me OR print out the form at the link “Letter of Recommendation form”; complete it and return it to me in my offic
